Laurent Mekies praises Max Verstappen's "flawless" performance in Austin

In Texas, Max Verstappen dominated the United States Grand Prix from start to finish. The Dutchman transformed his two pole positions of the weekend into resounding victories – sprint and race – thus securing the 68th victory of his career. Thanks to this double, the three-time world champion is just 40 points behindOscar piastri, still leader of the championship.

With five rounds to go, the driver Red Bull poses more than ever a direct threat to McLaren, already crowned Constructors' World Champion in Singapore and now under pressure in the race for the Drivers' title.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the impeccable performance delivered by the driver wearing the number 1 car. "It was an extraordinary weekend. Max Verstappen and the team were stronger every time the car took to the track. He was already on pole on Friday before the Sprint, but no one was satisfied with that."

Red Bull, never satisfied

The Dutchman secured victory in the sprint race, beating George Russell by less than a second. From the start, he managed to avoid the crush caused by a collision between Nico Hulkenberg and the two McLarens, an incident causing chaos on the Austin asphalt. Taking advantage of the confusion, the Dutchman widened the gap before the race was virtually neutralized. "We weren't very happy with our pace after the Sprint, nevertheless underlines Laurent Mekies. We made a lot of changes after qualifying. We could have decided to leave it at that, but the team was very brave. Max Verstappen was also incredible in guiding us and taking risks as well."

The adjustments made by the men from Milton Keynes appear to have paid off. In qualifying on Saturday, Max Verstappen set the fastest time and the 47th pole position of his career.  "Ultimately, it seems that more performance was found for qualifying. More importantly for us, in extremely hot conditions where in the past we have suffered a lot, it is a very important result from that point of view."

A transformed RB21

In addition to his performances on the track, Laurent Mekies also praised the involvement of his star driver off the track. car. “The level at which Max is performing is extraordinary. It’s very difficult to remember when you’ve seen such domination, a clear round like this. He does it in the car but also outside, recalls the Frenchman. He brings us extraordinary sensitivity. He seems to be having a lot of fun. It's a special time for everyone to witness talent expressing itself at this level."

His teammate Yuki tsunoda for its part, collected two points in the Sprint and six by finishing Sunday's race in seventh place. The Austrian team thus moves up to three points from Classic Ferrari for sale in the Manufacturers ranking. "Yuki Tsunoda did a very good job, congratulates the French leaderHe was in the points in the Sprint, he was in the points in the race. He was making good progress, he had a difficult weekend in Singapore, but it's great to have him back this weekend."

A perfect weekend for Red Bull, which appears to be regaining its composure at the best time of the season. Heading into the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen's favorite playground, a five-time winner in Mexico City, the wind seems to be blowing at the reigning champion's back once again.

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